May 1999

OK, so I've changed my mind ...  "No, I don't vote." "Who cares, my vote wouldn't make a difference anyway." "Why should I? They do whatever they want to do anyway." These were just a few of my excuses ... why I didn't vote. the truth, voting was scary! I didn't understand what the initiatives were about. I didn't trust what the politicians said, and I thought you had to vote for everything on the ballot. Things were confusing and I didn't want to vote yes if it meant no, and no if it meant yes. I didn't want to make a mistake and vote the wrong way on something I really didn't understand. I tried to read the voting book that came in the mail, but it was as if it was written in a foreign language. I learned of a group called VOICES (which stands for Voices for Opportunity, Income, Child care, Education and Support). VOICES offers support to those who are struggling with things such as child care and the effects of welfare reform. They keep us informed of current issues. Members learn and practice what can be done as individuals to be involved in the legislative process, and how as a group we can make a difference in the social issues that impact us. It's been a year since my first VOICES meeting. Things are different now. Not only am I voting, I regularly e-mail or call my state legislators, Lisa Brown, Jeff Gombosky, and Alex Wood, with my concerns, and I tell them how I would like them to vote on an issue. To my surprise they personally responded with e-mails and letters as to where they stood on the issue, and thanked me for being involved. I am keeping track of where they stand on important issues and how those legislators are voting in Olympia. I want to know if they actually vote the way they say they are going to. I will be ready to vote for whom I want to represent me for the next term. By the way, you might want to check VOICES out. We meet on the third Thursday of every month at East Central Community Center, 500 S. Stone, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. They provide a free meal and child care. Call 532-6121 and leave a message as to how many adults and children will be attending. Tell them you heard about them in The CommuniQué.

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